Things to DO in Bangkok

Colorful, chaotic, beautiful Bangkok is the first spot for many travelers eager to explore Southeast Asia. But Thailand’s capital is also a must-see city in its own right for a variety of reasons, from cheap and delicious street food to awe-inspiring cultural attractions. Whether you’re just passing through or settling in for a few days of sightseeing, here’s everything you need to know before and during your Trip To Bangkok. You’ll likely be getting into Bangkok via one of two main airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Muang Airport (DMK). If you’re flying within Southeast Asia and traveling via a low-cost carrier such as Air Asia or Nok Air, you’ll likely be arriving via DMK and your best bet for getting to the city is in a taxi, especially if you have luggage. The trip should take 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and the fare should be roughly 350 THB. From BKK, your best option for travel to and from the airport is via the Airport Rail Link Service, which operates between 6 am and midnight. The airport rail link connects to MRT underground at Makkasan City Interchange Station (MRT Phetchaburi Station) and BTS Skytrain at Phayathai Station. The trip takes around 30 minutes and you can buy a token from vending machines at the station or from the ticket office. A ride will cost around 45 THB. Getting around Bangkok There are three main options for getting around in Bangkok, including bus, BTS Skytrain, and MRT (subway). The cost depends on the distance traveled, but prices start at around 7 THB for the bus, 15 THB for the Skytrain, and 16 THB for the MRT. Tickets for the Skytrain and MRT can be purchased from machines inside each station, and for the bus, you pay onboard. All types of transit in the city operate between 6 am and midnight. The BTS and MRT are the easiest ways to get around since getting from A to B are fairly straightforward and the stops are well marked. The bus can be a little trickier, but it is your cheapest mode of public transportation. Get yourself an MBTA map (available at most bus terminals) to familiarise yourself with the many bus lines and routes. Things to do in Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (on the same compound) are not to be missed in Bangkok and combine into one of the city’s top attractions. The palace was once home to Thailand’s monarchy and the decorated halls, courtyards, pavilions, and inner palaces on the sprawling grounds are worthwhile for the intricate architecture. The temple (Wat Phra Kaeo) inside the Grand Palace is Thailand’s holiest shrine and home to the Emerald Buddha, the most revered image in the kingdom. An audio guide can be rented for 200 THB for two hours. If you go, go early. The grounds can get insanely crowded as the day goes on. It’s also important to dress conservatively (no bare arms and legs, and note that a shawl/scarf will not suffice for covering up bare shoulders — but there are plenty of vendors around the exterior of the grounds willing to sell you sleeved shirts for marked-up prices). If it’s great views you’re looking for alongside a dose of culture, head to Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn. This large temple complex is one that visitors are encouraged to climb and if you brave the steps to the top you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the city below.